‘West Side Story’ timely, timeless

Joe Delaney

Friday, Nov. 8, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

"West Side Story" wears its nearly four decades very well. A collaboration of four greats of music, dance and theater, this legitimate theater musical classic is both timeless and timely.

Jerome Robbins is credited with conception, direction and choreography of the original production. Alan Johnson's present direction and choreography maintains Robbins' intent. Arthur Laurents' writing credits are legendary. This is his best effort. The same can be said of Leonard Bernstein's music and the sensitive lyrics of Stephen Sondheim.

The story is an update of "Romeo and Juliet," dealing with the terrible toll that can be taken by prejudice and hate. Jeremy Koch is an admirable Tony (Romeo) and Sharen Camille is a standout as Maria (Juliet). Kevin Albert is a strong Bernardo, Maria's brother and leader of the Sharks, the Hispanics, while Christian Roble is right as Riff, leader of the Jets. Natascia A. Diaz deserves her special billing as Anita, Bernardo's girl.

This production deserves to do at least as well as "Grease" a month or so ago. "Grease" did have Sheena Easton, Joe Piscopo and Sally Struthers. Perhaps the difference here is the lack of recognizable name power in "West Side Story." The performance value is there, and that superlative score is rendered by an excellent live orchestra.

Lights, sound and presentation are all top notch. Prices ($19.50 to $65) are slightly under legit theater prices in other major cities. Take advantage of this fact and treat yourself and someone special to a classic, based on a classic. If you've never seen it, you owe this to yourself. If you have, it is worth seeing again. Prices are lower at the Saturday matinee.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.